Young & Rubicam Opens Office in Memphis

On July 28th, 2016, Y&R announced the official launch of Y&R Memphis with a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting co-sponsored with the Memphis Chamber of Commerce. Y&R’s new office in Memphis, Tennessee will service the United States Navy account, which will be run in partnership with VML, Wunderman, Burson-Marsteller and MEC. Y&R has already hired 50 professionals from the local area to work on The Navy assignment to help The Navy’s Recruiting Command enlist prospective Navy personnel.

“We’re thrilled to be the first global advertising agency to have a presence in Memphis,” said David Sable, Global CEO of Y&R. “Working across our partner agencies and establishing ourselves within close proximity to the Navy’s headquarters will allow us to deliver the full power, resources and marketing expertise of our global network to Memphis and the greater Mid-South region. “We’re so excited to finally be here."

Y&R Memphis will be led by Ken Dowling, the Global Client Leader for the Navy Partnership as well as the Managing Director of the new Y&R Memphis. He will also spearhead business development, building the agency’s capabilities and client roster. Ryan Blum will partner with Dowling as Executive Creative Director, helping him lead The Navy partnership and launch the Memphis office. Blum recently joined Y&R from Publicis Seattle, and was at TraceyLocke prior to that, where he served as Creative Director and Group Creative Director, respectively. He’s worked on a wide cross-section of categories and brands, including, T-Mobile, Samsung and 7-Eleven.

“This is such a proud day for Y&R,” said Dowling. “We’re extremely excited to officially open our doors in Memphis, a thriving city. With Ryan on board, and with the help of our partner companies, we know we will do great things here as we build on the revitalization already taking place, and hope to become a part of the long-term success of the Memphis community.

“Y&R has always had a strong heritage of community involvement across the network,” Dowling added. “I want to specifically thank the Memphis Chamber of Commerce, which has already been an invaluable partner and resource for us here. We’re extremely grateful for all of the time, effort and dedication they have given us to ensure a smooth transition and acclimation into the Memphis community. We look forward to their continued partnership.”